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Lifestyle: Style of Housing: |
Real Estate & Homes in Lakewood - California - Lakewood, California homes and communites
LakewoodLakewood History Lakewood's population grew quickly to about 70,000 by 1953. At that point, the city was still unincorporated and was beginning to feel the pressure of potential annexation into Long Beach. Long Beach officials proposed that Lakewood be divided up into neighborhood sections, with each section being subject to its own annexation election. This proposal was thought to favor annexation, because opinions on Lakewood's future were largely divided. Residents finally organized around the idea of resisting annexation by incorporating Lakewood. An anti-annexation group called the Lakewood Civic Council was established to help residents counter Long Beach's efforts. The council was successful, and most of the annexation attempts were eventually defeated by vote or by protest. An incorporation committee was then formed, and volunteers began collecting signatures. Some residents still resisted incorporation, but most were eventually won over by an innovative services arrangement known as the Lakewood Plan. The plan involved the continuation of certain contracts with the County for community services, such as water and sewer, in order to keep local taxes low. Many other communities have since adopted this model. In 1954, the election to incorporate Lakewood was successful.
Today, Lakewood is a community- and family-oriented city that sometimes feels like a small, midwestern town that has been transplanted to Southern California. The homes aren't large, but are generally well maintained. Trees overhanging residential streets impart a wholesome charm to neighborhoods. Large parks throughout Lakewood provide the venues for the city's many community events. The layout of the city is relatively straightforward; the land is flat and the streets run straight, generally parallel and perpendicular to each other. In 2004, Lakewood was named California's Sports Town by Sports Illustrated magazine. The designation reflects Lakewood's strong community participation in youth sports programs. Local Little League and AYSO divisions are strong with participants and parent volunteers. Pony League baseball is very competitive, as are many high school sports. This pro-sports attitude seems to have its rewards, as Lakewood has produced several successful athletes. The most prominent of these are Greg LeMond and Lisa Fernandez. Greg LeMond was the first American to win the Tour de France; he took first in 1986, 1989, and 1990. Lisa Fernandez is one of the best known female softball players in the country; she has pitched for the U.S. women's softball team in the Olympics three times, winning gold medals in 1996, 2000, and 2004. Mike Fitzgerald, a catcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) and Chris Gomez, an MLB shortstop, also grew up in Lakewood. Lakewood's population is relatively stable; many people who are born in Lakewood stay and raise their own families here. Activities Schools ABC Unified is based in Cerritos, and operates a total of 30 schools. Five of these, including Artesia High School, are located in Lakewood. Long Beach Unified serves all of Long Beach, plus some of Carson and Lakewood. Nine LBUSD schools are in Lakewood, including Lakewood High School. Paramount Unified only has one school in Lakewood, Lakewood Elementary. Lakewood residents have organized efforts in the past to create the city's own unified school district. In 2004, a planning study indicated that obtaining state approval might be difficult. As a result, the Lakewood Unified School District Organizing Committee put the movement on hold temporarily until it is decided that California officials would more favorably receive these efforts. Lakewood Fast Facts Location: Lakewood is located in Los Angeles County, inland from Long Beach and the San Pedro Bay. The major roadways nearby are Interstates 710, 605, and 405 and State Route 91. Central Los Angeles is 23 miles northwest of Lakewood. Total area*: 9.4 square miles *Information provided by 2000 Census
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